How to Extract APK Files from Installed Apps: A Step-by-Step Guide

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APK (Android Package Kit) files are the format used to install apps on Android devices. Extracting APK files from already installed apps can be useful in various scenarios, such as backing up an app, transferring it to another device, or installing the app on a device that doesn’t have access to the Google Play Store. While Android devices don’t provide an easy, built-in method for extracting APKs, there are several ways to do so using third-party apps and tools.

In this article, we will explore how to extract APK files from installed apps on your Android device safely and efficiently.

1. Why Extract APK Files?

There are several reasons you might want to extract an APK file from an app installed on your Android device:

  • Backup an App: If you want to preserve a specific version of an app or back it up for later use.
  • Transfer to Another Device: You may want to transfer an app to a different Android device without downloading it again.
  • Install on a Device Without Play Store Access: If you have a device that doesn’t have access to the Google Play Store, you can extract APKs to install apps manually.
  • Access Older Versions: If the app has been updated and you prefer the older version, extracting and keeping the APK file lets you reinstall it.

2. Extracting APK Files Using a File Manager App

One of the simplest ways to extract APK files from installed apps is by using a file manager app with APK extraction capabilities. Here’s how you can do it:

Steps:

  1. Install a File Manager App: First, you need to install a file manager app that supports APK extraction. Popular options include:
    • ES File Explorer (note that this app has been removed from the Play Store, but older versions can still be found)
    • APK Extractor (available on Google Play Store)
    • File Manager + (another good option for file management)
  2. Open the File Manager: Launch the file manager app after installation.
  3. Locate Installed Apps: Some file manager apps have a specific section where you can find installed apps. Look for an option like “App Manager” or “Installed Apps.”
  4. Select the App to Extract: Find the app you want to extract the APK for and tap on it. Depending on the app, you may see an option like “Extract APK” or “Backup”.
  5. Save the APK: The app will create a backup of the APK file and save it to your device’s storage. You will typically be asked to select a folder or location where the APK will be stored, such as the Downloads or APKs folder.
  6. Access the Extracted APK: Once the extraction process is complete, navigate to the folder where the APK was saved to find your APK file. You can now transfer it to other devices or store it for later use.

3. Using an APK Extractor App

Another method of extracting APK files is by using a dedicated APK extractor app. These apps are designed specifically for extracting APKs from installed apps, making the process quick and easy. One popular app for this task is APK Extractor.

Steps:

  1. Download APK Extractor: Go to the Google Play Store and search for APK Extractor. Install the app on your device.
  2. Open the App: Launch the APK Extractor app after installation.
  3. Select the App to Extract: The app will display a list of all the apps installed on your device. Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the app from which you want to extract the APK.
  4. Extract the APK: Tap the app you want to extract, and the app will automatically create a copy of the APK file.
  5. Locate the APK: Once extracted, you will be able to access the APK file through your file manager or directly from within the APK Extractor app. The APK file is usually saved in the APK Extractor folder in your device’s internal storage.

4. Extracting APK Files Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge)

If you prefer a more technical approach, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to extract APK files. ADB is a powerful command-line tool that lets you communicate with your Android device, and it can be used to pull APK files directly from the device.

Requirements:

  • ADB installed on your computer: You’ll need ADB installed on your computer. If you don’t have it, you can download the Android SDK or use the standalone ADB tool.
  • Developer Mode enabled on your Android device: You need to enable Developer Options and USB Debugging on your Android device.

Steps:

  1. Enable Developer Options and USB Debugging:
    • Go to Settings > About phone and tap Build number seven times to enable Developer Options.
    • Then go to Settings > Developer Options and enable USB Debugging.
  2. Connect the Device to Your Computer: Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
  3. Install ADB: If you haven’t already, install ADB on your computer. You can follow the official Android developer documentation to set up ADB.
  4. Open a Command Window: On your computer, open the Command Prompt (Windows) or Terminal (macOS/Linux).
  5. List Installed Packages: Type the following command to see a list of installed apps:bashCopy codeadb shell pm list packages This will list all the package names of the apps installed on your device.
  6. Extract the APK File: Once you’ve identified the app you want to extract, use the following command to pull the APK file:bashCopy codeadb shell pm path <package_name> Replace <package_name> with the actual package name of the app. For example, if the app is named “com.example.app,” you would enter:bashCopy codeadb shell pm path com.example.app The command will return the file path of the APK. Use this path to pull the APK from the device to your computer:bashCopy codeadb pull /data/app/com.example.app-1/base.apk
  7. Access the Extracted APK: The APK file will be saved to your computer in the directory where the command prompt/terminal is currently pointing.

5. Using a Rooted Device

If your Android device is rooted, you can access the system directories that store APK files. Rooting provides superuser privileges, giving you full control over your device. You can navigate to the /data/app/ directory, where APKs for installed apps are stored.

Steps:

  1. Install a Root File Explorer: Use an app like Root Explorer or ES File Explorer (with root access) to access the system files.
  2. Navigate to the /data/app Directory: Browse to the /data/app/ directory, where the APK files for installed apps are stored.
  3. Copy the APK: Find the app you want to extract, copy the APK, and move it to a different location on your device’s storage for easy access.

Note: Rooting your device voids the warranty and may pose security risks. Proceed with caution if you choose to root your device.

6. Conclusion

Extracting APK files from installed apps on your Android device is a useful process for various purposes, such as backing up apps, transferring them to other devices, or reinstalling older versions. There are multiple methods to achieve this, ranging from using file managers and APK extractor apps to utilizing more advanced tools like ADB or accessing system files on a rooted device.

Always be cautious when extracting APKs and only download apps from reputable sources to avoid malware or security risks. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can easily extract APK files and make the most of your Android device’s app library.

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